Pediatric Brain Tumors in the Molecular Era: Updates for the Radiologist

Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common group of solid tumors and the leading cause of tumor-related mortality in children, with an average annual age-adjusted mortality rate of 0.70 per 100,000 in the United States. Its incidence has surpassed leukemia for 2014-2018, with an overall calculated incidence rate of 5.85 per 100,000 population.1 Over the past decade, there has been a plethora of research exploring the molecular landscape of various CNS tumors and accordingly endorsing targeted therapy strategies. These updates are highlighted in the fifth edition, 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the CNS. In this review, we will discuss the molecular landscape of common pediatric brain tumors, including pediatric Low-grade gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, neuronal tumors (LGG/GNT), pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs), ependymomas, medulloblastomas, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs), their clinical correlation and impact on outcome and treatment strategies. Finally, imaging features, including key radiogenomic clues, will be explored.

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Published in: Seminars in Roentgenology
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.ro.2022.09.004